Sam and Erin shared their proposal story on their wedding website, and it was definitely sweet!

"Sam surprised Erin with a proposal in Elkhart Lake—a destination the couple enjoys for dinners out and Road America racing. Sam arranged a horse-drawn carriage (*swoon!*) to take them on a tour of the Christmas lights around town. Erin wasn’t expecting what Sam had up his sleeve but of course she said yes!"

It only took about a month for Erin to reach out to secure some help on the big day, and we are so, so glad she did!

 They were married in one of the largest churches we've seen locally, yet they kept their wedding party small with only a matron of honor and a best man. We are convinced that her small wedding party had something to do with how calm and laid back the atmosphere was before the ceremony. The smile of pure joy and happiness on Erin's face as the musicians began their prelude, will be a forever memory for us.
Even more beautiful - As the string quartet began to play Canon in D, and the ushers opened the doors, Erin held on to her father's arm before going to meet Sam at the end of the aisle. Hollywood could not have timed it better! (We had some serious chills and tears welling!) - It was one of our all-time favorite entrances. By. Far.

Back at The Osthoff Resort, we set out a few personal items and charger plates, while the staff busily set the tables, lit the candles, and awaited the couple's arrival for a sneak-peek. In true fashion, they traveled from the ceremony to the reception in Sam's car. The impeccable arrangements from The Osthoff's in-house florist were set among the beautiful gold accents of the formal ballroom.

Guests were greeted by a very special table as they entered. Erin chose to have her place card table highlighted with stunning crystal pieces passed down from her grandmother's collection. Guests mingled in the cocktail area around their adorable tiered cake with vintage toppers, before we opened the reception space and the new Mr. & Mrs. kicked off the night with their First Dance and they didn't stop until the very end of the night!

Erin and Sam, what an honor to have been a part of your beautiful day! We wish you nothing but the best in your exciting journey!

Below are just a few photos we snapped of their amazing ceremony and reception!

​​Professional Credits:
Holy Family Catholic Church  |  Ceremony
The Osthoff Resort  |  Reception Venue, Catering + Hotel
Gueller's Photography  |  Photography
Renaissance Salon  |  Hair
Dana Michele  |  Make-up
The Mixing Queen Bakeshop |  Cake
The Wisconsin String Quartet  |  Ceremony Quartet
Matt's DJ  |  DJ
Osthoff in Bloom  |  Florals + Decor
Witt & Co. Events  |  Rentals
Minted  |  Stationery
Erika's Bridal Couture  |  Bride's Attire
Edith's Bridal & Tuxedo  |  Groom's Attire
Witt & Co. Events  |  Wedding Coordinator

Spring has officially arrived! (Finally—goodbye snow! 😌). Birds are singing, the sun is staying out longer, warmer weather is rolling in, and soon we’ll see flowers blooming everywhere. It’s no wonder why so many couples choose this wonderful season to get married. So, we’ve decided to give you the inside scoop on this season’s top spring wedding trends! 

1. Colors – This year, Pantone’s Color of the Year is ‘Living Coral’. However, it generally takes a few months for designers and manufacturers to catch up to the trendy color selection with their products. So, for this spring, expect to see Pantone’s Color of the Year from 2018 – ‘Ultra Violet’. Don’t be fooled by this color’s name, it doesn’t mean a bright, in-your-face purple. This color is inspiration for beautiful shades of purple such as lavender, lilac, and dusty purple. The blush color is finally stepping aside to welcome the gorgeous shades of purple. *Be sure to keep an eye out for the ‘Living Coral’ color this summer/next spring!*

2. Plants & Flowers – The use of greenery that’s been done the past couple years is going to change. Potted plants will be used to create a natural feel to an otherwise plain lawn or green space. They can also be used to spruce up the ceremony aisle, reception entrance, or even on the tables as part of the centerpiece. This eco-friendly option can be gifted after the wedding to guests or even used for the newly-weds to start their own garden. Another trend on the rise are “living bars”. Soften a bar’s hard edge by placing lattice draped with greenery or garlands in the front. This is a great way to still get the greenery feel from the last couple seasons while moving away from the greenery and hand laid garland that’s strewn down the center of long banquet tables. Lastly, what is a spring wedding without beautiful flowers? A recurring “theme” is abundant fresh flowers. Everyone is so excited at the thought of things finally blooming after a long winter, that flower accents go well with just about any wedding color scheme or overall wedding theme. Anything that feels alive (fresh flowers and touches of greenery) brings life to a wedding.

Emily Steffens Photography

3. Décor – A trendy new décor option for you wedding this spring is to add textured linens. These are a great way to add interest to the reception tables. Transparent overlays with lace appliques are another option that’s subtle yet can impact the overall look of the reception space while providing some interest for guests as they walk about the area. 

Erin Jean Photography

4. Attire – It’s time to shed those winter layers and go for something lighter. Bridesmaids are still drawn to the light and airy chiffon dresses. You’ll see their dresses in light pastel and neutral colors such as lavender, dusty blue, and off white. Floral jumpsuits are a fun, new trend for bridesmaids this spring too. How chic! Brides will be drawn to the deep V, plunging neckline dresses. There will probably be fewer tea length dresses, and more of the form fitting silhouettes with flare on the bottom. More bridal gowns are going to have some texture to them this season. And since it’s still not summer and evenings can be cool yet, half sleeve dresses are going to be the popular choice. Men are opting for 3-piece suits and moving away from the standard colored tuxedo vests. These suits give off a more polished look and can be accented with color ties instead. Blue suits are still in and more shades of blue are growing in popularity.

5. Venues – Barn weddings became very popular a few years ago as the location every soon-to-be married couple wanted for their venue. With barns as the venue, we saw burlap, lace, and mason jars (…so many mason jars!) as the décor every bride wanted to incorporate into her big day. But these trends have just about run their course and things are changing again. The once popular rustic, old barn as a venue is being moved aside to make room for the “modern-build barns” as the trendy new venue spot. More couples who are looking for a barn location are choosing converted structures over restored structures. The modern-build barns have neutral details such as clean, white exteriors with only a few raw barn-wood accents inside. They are a blank slate to create a more formal and refined wedding design while keeping with the comfortable atmosphere of a barn setting. 

Dani Stephenson Photography

6. Ceremony - Setting the stage for ceremonies has traditionally been with an arbor and often a square four-post backdrop. But more and more couples are choosing to frame their “I Dos” with structures in different shapes. Circular arbors are giving the traditional square arbors a run for their money. Aisles lined with wildflowers will make any spring wedding look like it just came into full bloom.   

Emily Steffens Photography